It was with considerable disappointment that I read the article in your issue of Jan 2 in which the Dorrigo Caravan Park operator decried the use of Roses Park at Thora for overnight camping, and in so doing, criticised the work of the volunteers who maintained the park.

The front page article in the last Courier Sun has placed the local council in a position where they have to decide one of three options regarding free camping:1. Leave things as they are;2. Erect no camping signs in every scenic spot that may tempt the odd RVer and leave a negative impression to any visitor; or3. Become an RV friendly town and welcome the hundreds of grey nomads as well as others travelling the country. The scheme has been running for many years with over 200 towns and attractions now members. The welcoming 'This is an RV Friendly Town' sign on the approaches to these towns makes the visitor aware they will be welcomed. It is an incentive for them to stay a day or two and spend money while there.

"BELLINGEN Shire Council in NSW is seeking public comment on its policy towards free-camping caravanners and motorhomers.The council, on the state's mid-north coast, has always adopted an informal 'one night, move on' approach to overnighting travellers but now believes it should take a more serious look at the issue."

"THE issue of developing a ‘free-camping' policy for Bellingen Shire has not disappeared. Following the lack of a definitive decision by councillors in December, general manager Liz Jeremy, said the matter was being reviewed and something would come back for debate by the council early in the new year."